What exactly are PUFAs?
PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty-acids) are fatty acids that contain more than one double bond in their chemistry backbone. These fats are found in vegetables such as canola, corn, soy, safflower, and sunflower. PUFAs are also found in seeds, fish oils, and animal foods.
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How are PUFAs related to corn and soy?
PUFAs are fats found in liquid oils such as corn, soy, safflower, sunflower, flaxseed, sesame, and peanut. Reducing the consumption of these foods is crucial to lowering PUFAs.
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Why is low-PUFA so important?
According to many scientists and nutritionists, including Dr. Ray Peat, consumption of excess polyunsaturated fats are linked to inflammation, cell aging, obesity, and hormonal imbalances,including hypothyroidism and insulin resistance (diabetes).
Once PUFAs are consumed, they are prone to oxidation due to the heat and oxygen in our bodies. This leads to inflammation and cell dysfunction, especially with continued consumption over time.
Due to the way pigs and poultry are fed in this country, fat from pork and chicken (and egg yolks) can have more PUFA than canola oil, with a significantly worse ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6 fats. Since animals can’t make PUFAs, they won’t have PUFAsif we don’t feed it to them!
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How do I learn more?
This fine article by Alex Fergus explains PUFAs in more detail.
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